I would say it is indeed a Scaly-feathered Finch….only reason why I’m sure of that is because I also took a photo of one quite some time ago….it also has a pink bill (Scaly-feathered Finch)I know what you mean about the bill….in my SASOL guide it does not appear to be pink….more like creamy in colour….this is the reason why I nowadays prefer looking at photos rather than the sketches in my guide…or I suppose I should just get myself a guide with photos in.

I was fortunate enough to do some birding in Mokala NP on Monday. We had an amazing day with some great sightings, but by far the most abundant species were the scaly-feathered finches! What a beautiful little bird!!